IELTS used for UK Visas and Immigration

If you are applying for a UK visa in the UK, there is an IELTS test for you.

For visa applications to the UK, you may need to have an English language qualification. In particular, for many categories of visa, you must submit an English language qualification which is included on the UK Home Office’s list of Secure English Language Tests (often referred to as SELT tests). IELTS and IELTS Life Skills are on this list.

To find out whether you need to take an approved test, what level you need to achieve, and which test you can use, you should contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Check if you need a UK visa.

From March 2016, some IELTS test takers for UK Visas and Immigration will be able to take their IELTS test on computer. A limited number of places will be available at the British Council for IELTS for UKVI (Academic) delivered on computer at a number of locations in the UK, China, Malaysia, Japan, India, Hong Kong, Brazil and Nigeria.

Tier 4 Student Visa (without a presessional)

People who are applying for a Tier 4 student visa to a university that is a Tier 4 Sponsor to study for a bachelor or postgraduate degree are required to meet the English language level set by the institution. British universities and colleges accept IELTS results. Tier 4 Student Visa applicants can apply to the UK universities listed here with an IELTS result from any of the 1,000 IELTS test locations worldwide unless the institution has additional requirements.

IELTS is accepted by UKVI at band scores 4.0 and above, equivalent to CEFR level B1.

Higher Education Institutions on UKVI’s list of Tier 4 Sponsors decide which exams to accept when a SELT is not required, and these may include IELTS taken at any of the 1000+ IELTS test locations..

IELTS can be used where IELTS Life Skills is used; candidates would need to get 4.0 or above in Speaking and Listening (scores for Reading and Writing will be ignored).

Please note that these changes do not affect the use of IELTS by people from the European Union, European Economic Area, Switzerland and ‘majority English speaking countries’ as defined by the UK Home Office (https://www.gov.uk/english-language).

To assist with the transition, the UK government has announced they will accept results from all IELTS tests taken on or before 22 April. This means that you can submit your past IELTS results to UKVI if:

your visa application requires you to supply results from a Secure English Language Test, and

your IELTS test date was on or before 22 April 2015, and

your IELTS test was taken at any of the 1,000 IELTS test locations around the world, and

you submit your application to UKVI before 5 November 2015.

From 23 April, you will require results from an “IELTS for UKVI” test from one of the locations listed here.

If you require an “IELTS for UKVI” test to meet UKVI’s requirements, then you can register here for upcoming “IELTS for UKVI” tests.

There is no difference in the format of the test. In IELTS for UKVI (Academic) delivered on computer the Listening, Reading and Writing components will be taken on a computer, the Speaking component remains face-to-face. All other aspects of the test are identical whether it is taken on paper or on computer. For more information, visit http://takeielts.britishcouncil.org/ielts-ukvi/academic-delivered-on-computer.

The tests are available throughout the world, in locations specified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). See the list of dates and locations here.

You must confirm at the time of registration that you wish to use your test result for a UK visa application. You must sit the test in an “IELTS for UKVI” test session, as UKVI will not accept results from all IELTS tests offered at these locations.

Separate sessions will be held for UKVI applicants. You must ensure you register for an “IELTS for UKVI” test date at the locations listed here.

The IELTS test for UK visa purposes is designed to meet certain administrative requirements that are specific to UK Visas and Immigration. Test Report Forms will be slightly different, to show that test takers have taken the test at an IELTS UK visa session.

There are no differences in the test format or questions. The actual test taken is the same – same content, examiners, format, level of difficulty, scoring and so on.

IELTS for UKVI (Academic) delivered on computer is now available at a number of locations in the UK, China, Malaysia, Japan, India, Hong King, Brazil and Nigeria. Test takers who choose the new option will take their Listening, Reading and Writing components using a computer. The Speaking test will remain face to face.

If your IELTS test date was on or before 22 April 2015, UKVI will accept your results until 5 November 2015.

From 23 April, UKVI will require you to submit results from an “IELTS for UKVI” test that was completed at an IELTS test centre authorised by UKVI to run IELTS tests for UK visa and immigration purposes. You must confirm at the time of registration that you wish to use your test result for these purposes.

This FAQ was updated on 9 June 2015, following an announcement from UKVI that it would accept results from all IELTS tests taken on or before 22 April, regardless of the test location.

You can choose to have one or more parts of your test re-marked – this is called “Enquiry on Results”. Your test will be reviewed by a Senior Examiner from the British Council. The review will take from 6 to 8 weeks.

The fee for Enquiry on Results is

IELTS for UKVI £100

IELTS Life Skills £75

If your test results improve, you will receive a full refund of the Enquiry on Results fee and you will be issued a new Test Report Form with your new results

If there is no improvement to your original results you will not receive a refund.

Please note that you must make your request within 6 weeks from the date of your test.

IELTS Life Skills

IELTS Life Skills is a new English Language test offered by the three IELTS Test Partners - British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and Cambridge Assessment English.

IELTS Life Skills is a test of Speaking and Listening, available at CEFR Level A1 and CEFR Level B1. It is designed to meet the requirements of UK Visas and Immigration for certain visa categories and other immigration purposes.

The tests are available throughout the world, in locations specified by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). See the list of dates and locations here. You must confirm at the time of registration that you wish to use your test result for a UK visa application. You must sit the test in an “IELTS for UKVI” test session, as UKVI will not accept results from all IELTS tests offered at these locations.

To find out whether you need to take an approved test, what level you need to achieve, and which test you can use, you should contact UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Check if you need a UK visa.

For IELTS Life Skills, if you pass the test, you cannot retake it at the same level for a period of two years. If you do not pass it, there are no restrictions on retaking the test.

Please note:

Those who are applying for a Tier 4 student visa to a Highly Trusted Sponsor (HTS)/ Tier 4 sponsor, to study a bachelor or postgraduate degree are required to meet the English language level set by the institution. All British universities and colleges accept IELTS results. This means you can apply with an IELTS result from any of the 1,000 IELTS test locations worldwide unless your institution has additional requirements*. Find your nearest IELTS test location here.

Official list of British Universities and Colleges with Highly Trusted Sponsor Status/TIER 4 register of sponsor: